Nigel Farage declares victory as he skips Clacton by‑election count

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage declared victory in the Clacton by-election before the official result was announced, claiming an overwhelming endorsement from voters in the Essex resort. Polling stations for the contest shut at 10pm, having been open since 7am. Farage quit the Commons earlier this year in protest at media and parliamentary scrutiny over his and his party's financial affairs.

Farage made his victory declaration at a Reform-organised pop-up event in Essex, telling GB News that he had managed to beat the establishment candidate very convincingly. The main Westminster parties are boycotting the by-election, dismissing it as a stunt by the Reform UK leader, but a record 34 candidates are standing. Among his opponents was satirical candidate Count Binface, actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox, three from the Official Monster Raving Loony Party and an array of independents. The contest is estimated to have cost taxpayers about £250,000.

Media additions

"I’m sad to say that after 33 years of being a candidate in active politics, I’ve been advised tonight by Essex Police that there is an organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result that will take place in a few hours’ time."

Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, via LBC

Farage refused to attend the vote count, stating that advice from Essex Police regarding an organised campaign influenced his absence. He added that he would not stand on a stage having won a resounding victory and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies. When asked about his emotional state regarding the treatment he and his family received, Express reported that Farage expressed strong anger over threats directed at his daughter and family members.

Turnout figures for the summer by-election varied between reports, with Lbc estimating turnout at around 43%, while The Standard reported 44.37%. In 2024, Mr Farage polled 21,225 votes, finishing 8,405 votes ahead of the Conservative Party candidate, who came second. Photographers and TV cameras covering the count have been advised by officials they will need a wide-angle lens to fit all the candidates into a single shot.

Labour and Conservative figures criticized the vote throughout polling day. Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson stated that Farage spent 38 days fighting a bin in his most desperate attempt yet to deflect attention from the sleaze and scandals engulfing him and his party. A Conservative Party spokesperson characterized the vote as a fake by-election and a desperate attempt to draw a line under the questions surrounding his fishy £5 million donation.

"Nigel Farage spent 38 days fighting a bin in his most desperate attempt yet to deflect attention from the sleaze and scandals engulfing him and his party."

Bridget Phillipson, Labour Party chairwoman, via LBC and The Standard

Before quitting Westminster, Mr Farage was being investigated by the parliamentary standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg over a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne, which he received before taking his seat in the Commons. Under Commons rules, new MPs are required to register any gifts worth more than £300 they received in the previous 12 months, except where the gift “could not be reasonably thought by others” to relate to their political activities. That investigation was paused when Mr Farage resigned his seat but will resume if he wins the by-election – as bookmakers have made him the firm favourite to do. Mr Farage could also face an investigation over support provided by George Cottrell, a long-term ally, who reportedly recruited and paid three staff to work on Mr Farage’s social media before the general election, and has continued to allow him to use a five-storey, Georgian property he rented near Buckingham Palace.

The result is likely to be announced on Friday morning. If he is found to have broken the rules and a suspension of more than 10 days is imposed, it could trigger a recall petition and the prospect of Mr Farage losing his seat, forcing a second contest.